Case Studies & Stories

Acoustic Insights

How to Meet New Zealand’s Classroom DQLS Acoustic Standards

Enhance classroom acoustics with dbsorb’s modular, removable wall panels. Perfect for new builds, modular classrooms, and renovations, these DQLS-compliant solutions reduce reverberation, improve speech clarity, and integrate seamlessly into learning environments.

Acoustic Insights

Why Every Classroom Needs Acoustic Panels for Learning

Flexible wall, ceiling, and baffle solutions reduce reverberation, improve speech clarity, and integrate seamlessly into school interiors, all while supporting DQLS standards and modular classroom designs.

Creating Acoustic Comfort with a Natural Touch in a Retirement Village

Case Studies

Orewa Sands Senior Living

Creating Acoustic Comfort with a Natural Touch in a Retirement Village

At Orewa Sands Senior Living, dbsorb created a timber-look acoustic ceiling that blends natural warmth with high-performance sound control. Designed for clarity, comfort, and sustainability, this feature demonstrates how retirement communities can integrate acoustics seamlessly, offering architects a compelling alternative to traditional timber or aluminium battens.

Sculptural Acoustics for an Atrium Feature Wall in a Shared Office

Case Studies

B:Hive+ Smales Farm

Sculptural Acoustics for an Atrium Feature Wall in a Shared Office

In Auckland’s newest shared workplace, the atrium needed more than just a visual statement. dbsorb and Jasmax created a dynamic feature wall of dbFin acoustic baffles that shifts with every viewpoint. Designed with zero waste and recycled content, the installation proves that acoustic solutions can be both sustainable and sculptural - a precedent for architects rethinking the role of acoustics in design.

A Living Building Challenge Fit-out Inside a Heritage Landmark

Case Studies

Meridian Energy Wellington HQ

A Living Building Challenge Fit-out Inside a Heritage Landmark

Inside Wellington’s historic Old Bank Arcade, Meridian Energy’s HQ combines heritage character with cutting-edge sustainability. dbsorb supplied demountable, reusable acoustic panels that meet zero-glue and ultra-low VOC requirements, enabling circular design, high-performance acoustics, and future adaptability in a Living Building Challenge-certified workspace.

Panels to Placemaking: Elevating Function into Experience

Case Studies

Fonterra Hamilton Office

Panels to Placemaking: Elevating Function into Experience

At Fonterra’s new Hamilton headquarters, acoustics weren’t treated as an afterthought. Using dbsorb's dbPrint™ on Decosorb panels, cultural storytelling and brand identity were embedded directly into the walls. The result is a workplace where sound control feels invisible - acoustic panels that read as art, not add-ons.

News

dbsorb Announced as Finalist in Two Best Design Award Categories

dbsorb has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Best Design Awards, recognised in both Non-Consumer and Sustainable Product Design. Our family of glue-free mounting systems replaces adhesives with circular, installer-friendly solutions that reduce waste and make interiors more adaptable.

From R&D concept to real-world performance

Case Studies

Next Advisory Podcast Studio

From R&D concept to real-world performance

dbsorb's QuietKit ™ turned Next Advisory’s Auckland studio into a flexible, branded recording space. Built from factory offcuts, the system delivers professional sound, quick reconfiguration, and a sustainable design Luke can adapt for years to come.

A healthcare space that doesn’t feel like one

Case Studies

Bay Radiology Tauranga Imaging Centre

A healthcare space that doesn’t feel like one

Bay Radiology’s new Tauranga clinic challenges the typical healthcare fitout with a warm, calm design. dbsorb worked closely with Jigsaw Architects to deliver acoustic solutions that feel as good as they perform, bringing texture, calm, and flexibility into every space.

Acoustic Insights

The Top 5 Reasons Your Workspace Needs Better Acoustics

A major contributor to workplace productivity is the level of noise. Chatty coworkers, ringing phones, and background noise in an office cause serious distractions to the flow of work. This leads to less focus and concentration for your employees.

Acoustic Insights

What’s the Difference between Acoustic Treatment and Soundproofing?

Like most people, you may have thought these two terms are much the same. But there are major differences in soundproofing and acoustic treatment. Soundproofing is preventing sound from coming in and out of a specific space. While acoustic treatment is creating solutions to control or reduce echoes and sound reverberations in a room.

Acoustic Insights

Benefits of Installing Acoustic Panels in Your Home

It can be overwhelming to come home after a long day of work to meet a noisy environment. But with an effective noise control system, you’ll be able to keep your home peaceful and quiet.

Acoustic Insights

How to Improve Acoustics in Residential Design : A Guide for Architects and Designers

Soundproofing your house is a great way to gain peace and quiet, especially when you live in a noisy environment. A soundproofed room keeps out household noise and restores sound clarity to your home.

News

2023 in Review

We’ve done even more this year! As we near the conclusion of an incredible year, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your support – we couldn’t have done it without you! This year has been marked by significant achievements. With your help along the way, we’ve introduced some clever solutions to complex market challenges, passionately pushing for better sustainability, innovation and efficiency. We’ve relocated to a larger facility at 63S Hugo Johnston Drive in Penrose, providing us with ample space to expand and grow with new equipment arriving in the new year. We now offer in-house printing services. Whether your project requires colour matching, custom designs, or branding, we are here to help. Thank you again for your support this year, we wish you a safe and relaxing break and look forward to serving you in the new year. Best wishes,Alex, Adam and the team at dbsorb.